Guests at the 2025 Oscars were in for a delightful surprise as they found mysterious contents waiting for them under their seats, providing a welcomed distraction during the lengthy award ceremony. Ramin Setoodeh, the co-editor-in-chief of Variety, took it upon himself to offer viewers a sneak peek into the charming care packages thoughtfully placed under the seats of the A-list celebrities gracing Hollywood’s most prestigious event of the year.
Sharing his discovery on the popular social media platform X, Setoodeh unveiled a snapshot showcasing a sample cardboard box nestled beneath each seat. The contents of this unexpected treat included a refreshing drink, a savory pretzel, a handy napkin, and a personalized note from the evening’s esteemed host, Conan O’Brien. The message, imprinted on Conan’s stationery exclaiming “From the desk of Conan O’Brien,” featured an endearing illustration of the comedian flashing the peace sign while dressed in his finest tuxedo.
The note itself, written in Conan’s signature wit, extended warm regards to the recipient, referring to them as either a “Star” or a “Seat Filler,” and humorously mentioned the absence of gummy candies due to Disney’s disapproval. The note concluded with a lighthearted wish for a fantastic evening ahead, signed off by the gracious host himself. Notably, the Oscars were broadcasted on the ABC network, which falls under the umbrella of the entertainment giant, Disney.
Social media users, particularly those on X, were captivated by O’Brien’s thoughtful gesture, with many expressing their admiration for the beloved host. One user even hailed Conan as the “host of the decade,” praising his endearing gesture. The absence of gummy candies sparked playful banter among users, with one individual sharing a lively GIF featuring dancing gummy bears.
Adding to the excitement, The Hollywood Reporter shared an unboxing video from the event, revealing that the surprise packages also contained packets of Swedish Fish candy, much to the delight of the attendees.
While the snack box under each seat provided a charming touch for the guests, it was the nominees who received the ultimate treat. As reported by CNBC Make It, nominees for the 2025 Oscars were presented with an extravagant “Everybody Wins” gift bag from the LA-based marketing company, Distinctive Assets. It’s important to note that this gift bag is not officially affiliated with the Oscars ceremony.
The 2025 gift bag boasted an impressive array of over 60 luxurious items, including a lavish $23,000 getaway to a resort in the Maldives, premium skincare essentials, an exclusive invitation to a virtual wellness retreat, film-inspired memorabilia, and a plethora of other coveted goodies. The overall value of this extravagant swag bag was estimated to be around $220,000, making it a truly luxurious token of appreciation for the esteemed nominees.
Originally featured on TODAY.com, this delightful
